News, notes and reader questions about the San Francisco 49ers

September 22, 2013

Perhaps still reeling from their blowout loss in Seattle, the 49ers and their still wobbly offense trail the Colts 10-7.

Colin Kaepernick is 2-8 for 38 yards with one notable drop by rookie receiver Quinton Patton on third down in the second quarter. There already have been eight punts in the game - four by each team.

The 49ers' rushing game, largely absent in the first two weeks of the season, showed signs of life on the second drive. Frank Gore had runs of 22, 11 and 21 yards as the offensive line blew apart big holes and tight ends and receivers made solid blocks down field.

At the 13-yard line, Kaepernick handed the ball to Kendall Hunter on a delayed handoff, and Hunter darted to the right side of the end zone for his first touchdown since Nov. 19 last year.
Since then, however, the only offensive play of note has been a 24-yard, third-down catch by Anquan Boldin. That drive ultimately ended in a punt as well.

The 49ers entered the game tied for most penalties in the league, and they piled up a few more in the first half. The first two plays of the game, for example, were wiped away by an unnecessary roughness call against Donte Whitner - using the crown of his helmet - and a pass-interference penalty on cornerback Tarell Brown. Brown also was whistled for a holding call in the second quarter.

Those penalties brought Indianapolis to near midfield. From there, Andrew Luck twice found his favorite target today, Darrius Heyward-Bey, before newcomer Trent Richardson walked into the end zone for a one-yard touchdown.

Outside linebacker Aldon Smith, who according to reports may be heading to rehab after this game, has played every defensive snap so far. He even went into the game on special teams to try to block a punt.

MATTHEW BARROWS

Matt was born in Blacksburg, Va., and attended the University of Virginia. He graduated in 1995, went to Northwestern for a journalism degree a year later, and got his first job at a South Carolina daily in 1997. He joined The Bee as a Metro reporter in 1999 and started covering the 49ers in 2003. His favorite player of all time is Darrell Green.